Having an itchy bum is rarely a reason to worry, but can on occasion be a sign that you have a deeper, underlying problem that needs urgent medical attention
There are several potential causes for an Itchy Bum
It’s always frustrating when we get an itch we can’t scratch, especially when it’s in a place there’s no way of reaching it. Like the inside of your bum, for example.
We’ve all been there, but most of the time it simply means you need to go back to the toilet and clean yourself properly. Remember, water is your friend in this situation.
But sometimes even that doesn’t solve the problem, indicating your itchy bum could be a sign of something more sinister, as //www.tiktok.com/@drchristalnd/video/7094697491118951685" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: rgb(234, 4, 44); font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;">Dr Christal Blanchard explained on TikTok.
In her one-minute video, Dr Blanchard narrowed down the root causes of having an itchy bum to three potential issues. Remember to always visit your GP if you're worried about any recurring symptoms.
1. Vitamin A deficiency
After urging those who suffer from itchy bums to visit their practitioners to identify the source of the problem, Dr Blanchard suggested that vitamin A deficiency could be behind it.
She said: "You can actually check that through your medical doctor who will do a blood test which could show a deficiency. If you're going to start taking vitamin A then please check in with your medical practitioner because your liver enzymes need to be monitored.”
She warned: "Vitamin A can be very hard on your liver if taken for too long and too high of a dose."
2. Low stomach acid
Dr Blanchard continued to explain that low stomach acid could also be the cause of an itchy bum, adding there are certain tests one can do at home to check if this is the case.
One test is the baking soda challenge in the morning before having anything for breakfast. This requires drinking a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda mixed into 120ml of water and timing how long it takes you to burp, with the norm being under 2-3 minutes.
Should low stomach acid be the cause of your itchy bum, Dr Blanchard recommended trying apple cider vinegar to see if your symptoms improve. She said: "When you take apple cider vinegar, do it 15 minutes before meals, and dilute it in some water."
3. Parasite
The third potential cause of your itchy bum, Dr Blanchard suggested, could be a parasite. She said: "If you have an itchy bum at night or feel restless at night the cause of your itchy bum could be a parasite."
A parasite, also known as intestinal worms, can cause diarrhoea, constipation, gas, bloating, nausea and sudden weight loss due to poor nutritional absorption.
Small, white worms in your poo that look like pieces of thread is also a sign you have a parasite, according to the NHS. A GP would need to prescribe medicine to get rid of your worms, and others around you may also need to be treated.